You want a speaker for public venues like music festivals. But, you are confused between a 10PA speaker and a 12PA speaker. Don’t worry we’ve all been in that position.
So, you may wonder which one will be better between 10 vs 12 PA Speaker?
10 PA speaker is more compact than a 12 PA speaker. Then comes the subwoofer. 12 PA speakers have a bigger subwoofer than 10 PA speakers. 10 PA speakers will cost less than a 12 PA speaker. Nevertheless, the max SPL output of a 12 PA speaker is higher than a 10 PA speaker.
This basic comparison may give you lots of head-ups. Nevertheless, to buy a speaker that is feature-wise differentiable from others you need proper knowledge. In this article, we’ve provided exactly that.
Without delaying anymore, let’s get started!
Mythbusting
Getting confused between regular speakers and PA speakers is totally normal. That’s why let’s get something out of the way first. And that is, what is a PA speaker?
The PA speaker stands for ‘Professional Audio’ or ‘Public Address’ speaker. Its main purpose is to address the public louder than with a regular voice or acoustic instrument. To do that these speakers are made to be of the highest quality with the best output clarity and ability to cover the widest area.
So, there are lots of myths regarding PA speakers. These myths can be true or partially true. But for most cases, those all are just misconceptions. Let’s see 2 myths regarding PA speakers.
Source: bassheadspeakers.com
Power Rating Determines the Coverage Area
This is partially accurate, but dispersion is an equally significant requirement. Some speakers produce sound across a limited “sweet zone.” But the volume declines fast as you move away from it.
Wide dispersion speakers disperse sound more evenly throughout a space. Thus, providing more coverage for a given level of power. As a result, the power rating isn’t everything regarding coverage area.
You can check out some of our recommended Wide dispersion speakers from here:
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | Fluance Elite High Definition 2-Way Bipolar Surround Speakers | Check Price from Amazon |
  | Fluance Signature HiFi 2-Way Bipolar Surround Speakers | Check Price from Amazon |
  | ION Pathfinder 280 All-Weather Speaker | Check Price from Amazon |
Liven up your space with these wide dispersion speakers. Try them out!
A 2-Way Speaker is Better Than 3-Way Speaker!
This is true for both studio monitors and hi-fi speakers, as well as PA systems. A 2-way speaker with distinct low and high-frequency drivers can typically deliver a better-balanced sound.
On the other hand, a three-way system necessitates two crossovers, which can result in errors. A two-way system has only two sound sources. Whereas a three-way system has three locations that must all be coordinated.
There are good 3-way systems and bad 2-way systems. But the quality is determined by many criteria other than the number of speakers. Such as positioning of pa speakers.
Always try to put your PA speakers between you and your audience. It should be in the opposite direction to your mic and as far downstage as possible. This positioning will help you with fighting the feedback.
This myth-busting is necessary to determine the type of PA speaker you need.
Let’s get deep into the comparison now.
10-inch vs 12-inch PA Speakers: Quick Review
10 vs 12” forms of PA speaker are widely popular. It can easily handle small to medium or even large public events. But, which one is better?
Let’s see some basic comparisons between these 2 PA speakers.
| Differentiating Factors | 10 PA Speaker | 12 PA Speaker |
| Average Dimension | 23.1 x 13.1 x 11.8 in | 26.3 x 15 x 12.75 in |
| Average Weight | 27 pounds | 32 pounds |
| Woofer Size | 10” | 12” |
| Frequency Sensitivity | 0-125 dB(A) | 0-128 dB(A) |
| Frequency Range | 52 Hz-20 kHz | 50 Hz-20 kHz |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz | 60 Hz-20 kHz |
| Coverage Pattern | 110° H x 60° V | 100° H x 60° V |
Where to Get
These basic comparisons will be helpful. However, to help you in making a decision we dug deeper.
Let’s go to the next section for an in-depth comparison.
In-Depth Comparison
Both 10” and 12” are good as outdoor PA speakers. Yet they have significant differences just like the differences between 70v speakers and 8ohm.
Let’s see the in-depth comparison.
Size
PA speakers are becoming popular. One of the main reasons behind it is the size. With the advancement of technology, speakers are getting more powerful as well as smaller.
Also, speaker size is an important aspect to choose a PA speaker. 12 inch PA speaker cabinet is obviously will be larger than 10 inch PA speaker cabinet.
The average size of a 10 PA speaker is 23.1 x 13.1 x 11.8 in. It is compact. However, the average size of a 12 PA speaker is 26.3 x 15 x 12.75 in. It is bigger than a 10 PA speaker. Because it has bigger drivers than 10 PA speakers. So, in contrast to 12 PA speakers, 10 PA speakers are always compact.
Weight
Another thing to consider for speakers is weight. Because weight is another factor to consider for portability.
So, the average weight of a 10 PA speaker is 27 pounds. And the average weight of a 12 PA speaker is 32 pounds.
In terms of weight, a 10 PA speaker is slightly lighter than a 12 PA speaker. And if you’re looking for some cheap and lightweight 10 inch PA speaker the ION Audio POWERGLOW 10″ can be good choice.
Subwoofer
A subwoofer is an important feature. It boosts the low frequency of audio. PA speakers with subwoofers have more depth to their audio.
A 10 PA speaker has a 10” subwoofer. On the other hand, a 12 PA speaker has a 12” subwoofer.
When it comes to the subwoofer, 12 PA speakers are better than 10 PA speakers. It will give more in-depth output than 10 PA speakers. Also, check which one is better in comparison between 15 vs 18-inch subwoofer.
Maximum SPL Output
One of the most significant things to consider about speakers is the maximum SPL output. SPL is the pressure within the wave as a percentage of the surrounding air pressure.
The max output of a 10 PA speaker is 125 dB(A). However, the max output of a 12 PA speaker is 127 dB(A). In summary, the maximum SPL output of 12 PA speakers is higher than 10 PA speakers.
Source: bhphotovideo.com
Frequency Range
Audio frequency range is important to alter a sound through the speaker. You can set the frequency range according to your preference.
The 10 PA speaker has a frequency range of 52hz-20khz. 12 inch PA speakers offer a slightly better frequency range at 50hz-20khz.
Sp, 12 PA speakers offer a slightly better frequency range than 10 PA speakers.
Frequency Response
The measurement of a device’s output spectrum in response to a stimulus is frequency response. Generally, 20hz-20000hz is the ideal frequency response. It is an important factor for the speaker.
The frequency response of 10 PA speakers is 65hz-20000hz. The frequency range is slightly varied for 12 PA speakers. It ranges between 60hz-20000hz. So, 12 PA speakers’ frequency range is more varied than 10 PA speakers’.
Coverage Pattern
The most important thing to consider for buying a PA speaker is the coverage pattern. It shows how far audio frequency can travel.
The coverage pattern of 10 PA speakers is generally 110° H x 60° V. In contrast, the coverage pattern of 12 PA speakers is generally 100° H x 60° V.
So, horizontally, 10 PA speakers can be more useful than 12 PA speakers. Due to its compact size, it can cover more horizontal areas.
Source: musicradar.com
Cost
Now comes the last and important aspect. The price of each speaker. Whatever you buy, it should have a better quality-price ratio.
JBL is one of the largest audio device manufacturers. It has both 10 PA and 12 PA speakers available under the same model.
And if you ask me to suggest you then I would say the JBL Professional EON710 is the obvious choice if you’re eager to get a JBL PA speaker. It has both 12-inch and 10-inch variables so you don’t need to worry about availability.
The average cost of 10 PA speakers will cost less than 12 PA speakers. As you can see there’s $50 difference between these two sizes.
That is all about the in-depth analysis. Be careful! Too much sound can cause health problems like high blood pressure.
Which PA Speaker is Better?
Now comes the ultimate question, which PA speaker is better?
Well, if you are looking for a light-weighted compact PA speaker, then go for 10 PA speakers. These are also more affordable than 12 PA speakers.
For delivering melancholic soothing audio, 12 PA speakers will be ideal. Also, it’ll help you to get your sound further away into the crowd with more clarity and loudness.
Nevertheless, you should always trust your ears. Audio drivers impact sound quality. So select the best audio driver that you feel soothing.
FAQs
How Much Watts PA Speakers Need?
Different PA speakers require different watts to operate. Generally speaking, it ranges from 100 watts to 2000 watts.
Is it Possible to Combine Separate Wattage PA Speakers?
Yes, it is possible to combine. You have to change the wattage calculation of PA speakers. Setting the lowest watt for each speaker will do it.
What is the ideal distance between PA speakers?
When the full-range PA speaker is on stage, the normal distance should be roughly six feet.
Conclusion
That’s all about 10 vs 12 PA speakers. Hope this article will be your ultimate guide for buying the best PA speaker.
If you have any queries then comment down below. Till then take care!
